City finds, approves funds for pool project

Three days after Creston City Council took no action on a proposed $487,000 contribution request to the McKinley Park pool renovation project, it returned to chambers Friday and approved use of new, franchise fee funds up to $500,000.

Late last year, the city of Creston began converting it agreement with Alliant Energy to a franchise fee from local option sales tax. City Administrator Mike Taylor explained Friday the fees are expected to generate from $60,000 to $70,000 a year. The city’s first payment, which payments are expected quarterly, is late October.

Taylor said this is new money for the city of Creston.

“We have not had any formal talk about how that money might be spent,” he said. “There are lots of things it could be used for.” He said the pool is eligible.

Council member Rich Madison asked how the city could make a contribution knowing grant applications will be due before the city receives its first payment. Taylor said payments will depend upon the contractors and construction schedule. Committee members have said work on the project could begin in 2022.

“Our initial plan on this money was going to have this money sit for 12 months. Have it come it in so we know much was going to be there. I’d like to see it before we allocate it,” Taylor said.

Phase 1 of the pool project is estimated at $1.8 million. Pool committee members have said $1.07 million has been raised.

Council member Matt Levine said he has concerns with the use of the funds. “We are only in this position because of the rogue actions of some of our colleagues. I hope this resolution passes and we show we are committed to the project as a city and the county supervisors will follow our example.”

After the meeting, Levine declined to elaborate on who are the rogue colleagues.

Levine amended the motion by changing the resolution of contributing up to $50,000 a year in case a year has less funds available. If the committee finds other funding, the council may also have the opportunity to stop its contributions during the 10 years. Council member Brenda Lyle-Keate second. Council member Rich Madison cast the only no vote. Council member Terry Freeman was not in attendance.

Council member Jocelyn Blazek said she wants the city to improve its efforts on recruiting and retention of pool employees. That was explained during public comments at Tuesday’s council meeting.

She also questioned the safety of the proposed pool improvements which also were referred Tuesday during public comments.

“I’d like to see MPAC (McKinley Park Aquatic Center committee) remain open regarding design. Ultimately the liability will lie with the city and not MPAC,” she said.

The committee behind the pool renovation also made request to Union County Board of Supervisors for a $10,000 a year contribution for five years. That item is on the board’s Monday agenda. Supervisors had agreed to make their decision after Creston City Council.

After the council meeting, committee member Jeremy Rounds said the next step is the county’s decision. Grant applications for the project include matching-funds from the city and county. Council also approved Friday application for the Community Attraction and Tourism grant.

“This whole thing has been an adventure of faith,” Rounds said.